Apparatus and method for warming up an engine
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsJohn Moffat, Chris James Leck
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engine system for a vehicle is described in which a turbocharger adapted to compress intake air is thermally coupled to a charge air cooler device operatively interposing the turbocharger and the engine. The system further includes a reconfigurable cooling system operable in three modes based on the flow of coolant and temperatures detected therein. In particular, the approach may be used to enhance engine warm-up in cold ambient conditions without costly additional devices.
Claims20
An engine comprising:
- a turbocharger to compress intake air;
- a charge air cooler operatively interposing the turbocharger and the engine;
- and
- a coolant system whose operation comprises:
- a first mode providing a first coolant circuit for cooling the engine and a second separate coolant circuit for cooling compressed air, and
- a second mode providing a third coolant circuit in which coolant from the engine is transmitted to the charge air cooler for heating.
A method for operating a coolant system comprising:
- compressing intake air with a turbocharger;
- directing compressed air to a charge air cooler device coupled to the coolant system for exchanging heat with the coolant;
- and
- adjusting a flow of coolant based on a temperature, where coolant system operation further includes:
- a first mode that provides a first coolant circuit for cooling an engine and a second separate coolant circuit for cooling air passing through the charge air cooler device,
- a second coolant mode that provides a third coolant circuit in which coolant from the engine is transmitted to the charge air cooler device for heating before being recirculated back to the engine, and
- a third coolant mode provides a fourth coolant circuit for heating air passing through the charge air cooler device.
A method for managing heat flow in an engine comprising,
- a charge air cooler device thermally coupled to a compressed intake airflow, wherein
- heat is exchanged between the airflow and coolant based on a temperature measured therein, and
- a flow of coolant is adjusted based on the measured temperature, which includes at least one of an ambient temperature and an engine temperature, and wherein
- operation of the coolant system includes:
- a first mode that provides a first coolant circuit for cooling the engine and a second separate coolant circuit for cooling air passing through the charge air cooler device,
- a second mode that provides a third coolant circuit in which coolant from the engine is transmitted to the charge air cooler device for heating before being recirculated back to the engine, and
- a third mode provides a fourth coolant circuit for heating air passing through the charge air cooler device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.